About the Oregon Independent Colleges Association


The OICA is a broadly based compact of regionally-accredited non-profit institutions of higher education bound by a common commitment to quality instruction and human diversity, and dedicated to collaborative and coordinated efforts which strengthen all elements of the independent sector of higher education in Oregon. The purposes of the Association are:

  • To articulate the public benefit of independent higher education at both state and national levels and inform public policy decisions relating to the interests of member institutions.
  • To develop and promote cooperative programs and activities that further academic excellence and enhance educational opportunity among member institutions and throughout higher education in Oregon.
  • To afford voluntary options for member institutions to cooperate in achieving operating economies and in conserving resources.
  • To provide a clearinghouse for information about the whole of Oregon's independent higher education enterprise.

Overview of the OICA

Membership in the OICA is open to Oregon-based regionally-accredited nonprofit institutions. All nineteen eligible institutions are members. OICA's Board is composed of all member institution presidents. The Association is a 501(c)(3) corporation and is funded through a combination of member dues and outside grants. A small office is maintained in Tigard. The full-time Executive Director holds a PhD in higher education administration and has been with the OICA since 1984. Much of the work of the Association is accomplished by institutional staff volunteers and interinstitutional task forces and committees.

The OICA maintains an extensive database about independent higher education in Oregon; publishes a Fact Book, an annual Administrative Directory of more than 300 campus contacts, and occasional newsletters and other reports; and serves as a clearinghouse of information about the sector for all inquirers.

The central office monitors, analyzes, and coordinates position formation for all sector-wide public policy issues at the local, state, regional, and national level.

The central office also coordinates a number of ongoing interinstitutional meetings and dialogues and facilitates and/or manages a variety of interinstitutional accords pertaining to student cross-registration, joint purchasing, and research regarding matters of interest to the membership.

For further information contact:

Dr. Gary Andeen, President & CEO
Oregon Independent Colleges Association

7150 SW Hampton Suite 101
Portland, OR 97223

Tele.: (503) 639-4541 Fax: (503) 639-4851

Directions to the OICA office

Email: andeen@oicanet.org